Starving ‘suits’ of the Docklands rejoice! The ANZ building is now home to a brilliant new eatery, Caffé Esc, brought to us by the young and savvy restaurateur Pete Van Haandel (hailing from Mr Tulk).

With a sleek and modern fit-out featuring dark wood, a bright dining room and a funky beehive-patterned ceiling, Esc is a worthy escape from the office or bustling Southern Cross Station.

It goes without saying that the coffee is top notch here; it has to be to satisfy the hoards of coffee-dependent worker bees that flood in from the surrounding corporate giants.  Table service and complex specials like a duck, pork and veal terrine may scare you into thinking this can’t just be a quick light bite but fear not, ESC also does great ready-made rolls, baguettes and tarts. And their rabbit, potato and leek sausage roll is already a crowd favourite.

We tried a simple but delicious toasted roll with salami, cheese, tomato and olive tapenade. The soup of the day – cream of pumpkin – was rich and tasty. But admittedly these were soft options. Serious diners were gleefully tucking into dishes like a delectable-looking crispy parmesan and herb crusted chicken schnitzel with Italian coleslaw, and spiced meatballs in sweet sherry and tomato.

At the moment Esc is serving brekkie and lunch only, but soon enough it’ll be your next favorite Happy Hour. The license is on the way and we can already hear the computers winding down and the ties loosening in anticipation.

Notes –

Where: Caffe Esc is located in the ANZ Centre, 833 Collins Street, Docklands

When: Open Mon – Fri: 7am – 5pm